Stirrup Cup 2016

STIRRUP2016• CUP ELORA Horse & Hound PARADE Living off the land

YOU MIGHT Be a Foxhunter if...

Horseback Adventures in argentina

Eglinton and STIRRUP CUP 2016 Editor Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Art Director Mrs. Karin McDonald (www.kmgdesign.ca)

Caledon Hounds In this Issue: Master’s Message

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Liana's Introduction to Hunting

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You Might be a Foxhunter if...

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In the Field

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Huntsman’s Report

Elora Horse & Hound Parade Living off the Land Opening Meet

Photo: Karin McDonald

Riding with Hounds Pull-out Section

Masters of Foxhounds (MFH) Mr. Alastair Strachan MFH Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Mrs. Susan Rasmussen MFH Huntsman Mr. Colin Brown

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Horseback Adventures in Argentina

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Dog Days of Summer

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Summer Rides

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We'll all go a Hunting Today

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Hunter Pace

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Hunt Ball

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Puppy Show

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Terre Bleu Hound Parade

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Ancestors in the Dark Spring & Summer

Ad Index/Contributors

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Board of Directors Mr. Alastair Strachan MFH Mrs. Christine Gracey MFH Mrs. Susan Rasmussen MFH President- Ms. Priscilla Reeve, ex-MFH Vice President- Mrs. Heather Evans Treasurer-Mrs. Wendy Brett Secretary-Mrs. Tina Walker Mr. Brad Ellis Mr. Andrij Brygidyr

Cover Photo: Karin McDonald, Beamirage Photo www.eglintoncaledonhounds.com/image-albums.html

Photo: Karin McDonald

Honorary Whipper’s In Mr. Alastair Strachan MFH Mr. Hugh Robertson Mrs. Tina Walker Ms. Victoria Francey Mr. Derek French, ex-MFH, Car Whip

For more information on the Eglinton and Caledon Hunt please contact: Mrs. Tina Walker Honorary Secretary tina100@bell.net Click for upcoming events, news & images: www.eglintoncaledonhounds.com Eglinton and Caledon Hounds

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MASTER’S MESSAGE I can’t believe we have just published our sixth issue of the Eglinton and Caledon Hounds Stirrup Cup magazine! It always amazes me to see in print how many activities we have take place throughout one year. There is always some great event going on, and this year was no exception. From Robbie Burns night in January, pub nights, Puppy shows, Hunter Paces and Summer rides, the Elora Horse and Hound Parade, our fabulous Hunt Ball, Scavenger Hunts and Dog walks…and of course our main event – Riding to Hounds. We have been busy!

We have such a great group of people to hang out with, ride through the scenic Ontario countryside with, and spend time together with. These people also all come through when we need volunteers to put together one of our many events, and they do a great job. We thank them all, for all the work they do on behalf of ECH. Of course, I also count on them to contribute to this magazine, with articles and photos, and advertisements. Please look at these ads, and try to make use of their services. Also take note of the fantastic job that Karin McDonald, our Art Director has done in putting together this magazine.

We are most appreciative to the five hundred and fifty plus landowners who allow us to cross their lands, and host us for meets. We get great enjoyment from the beautiful lands that we see and ride through, and the lovely views of the rural countryside that we behold.

We are so very lucky to be able to enjoy ourselves, taking part in our beloved sport, with our favorite people. I hope that you also enjoy our magazine, and that reading it inspires you to come and hang out with us!

Christine Gracey MFH, Eglinton and Caledon Hunt Editor, Stirrup Cup Magazine

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HUNTSMAN’S REPORT Well another season has begun and 2016 has proved to be a stellar year personally and professionally. Following a great first season, whereby the hounds gelled wonderfully with myself and my Whipper-in Victoria Francey. The new additions to the pack drafted in from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Hunt (to which the ECH has strong ties both with hounds and people) have settled in and have become a great influence for the good of the pack.

The team consisting of Master Strachan, Hugh, Tina, Victoria and myself worked well hunting new and established territory and hounds achieved a very good first season. The old Galten country had shrunk over previous years but over the last 12 months this has been expanded from 2500 acres to in excess of 12000 acres.

As a result of the new relationships with landowners and farmers, two other terroritries have emerged: one at Dornoch in which we have already hunted and another coming onstream in the Conn/ Mountforest/ Damascus area. Hopefully this will be unveiled this season or early in Spring 2017 to great enjoyment.

We successfully had three litters of puppies from hounds drafted into the pack and mated to original members of the pack for entry in 2017. We had an amazing result at the Canadian hound show coming second overall.

In addition to this Victoria Francey (originally employed to look after kennels during the period of my awaiting my work permit), agreed to marry me last Christmas, and with whom I am very much in love. Our wedding will take place in January 2017. I am now going through the process of applying for and hopefully gaining my Permanent Residency status which will allow me to stay in Canada permanently.

Photo: James MacDonald

Colin Brown, Huntsman, Eglinton and Caledon Hunt

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Liana’s (enlightening) Introduction I apologize in advance to those of you who have been hunting for years. This is my story and my experience. I have been around horses all my life. In my adult years I ran a riding and trekking centre and was also a pony club mum to 4 daughters who competed at all levels. In my latter years the horses went and instead I found myself painting them.

A few years of painting commissions of people’s pets found me longing to create my own art. Circumstances led me to look at hunting photography and what I saw amazed me. I saw a connection of love, respect and affection between the hounds and huntsmen and I wanted to see if I could paint that.

A few paintings done and my work shown on Facebook led to an invitation from Colin Brown from the Eglinton and Caledon Hounds in Canada. I jumped at the chance to learn more and to get close to hounds. I arrived late on Thursday evening and was introduced to Colin’s hunting tipple...not being a whiskey drinker I surprisingly found his warming whiskey toddy delicious...first hunting tradition and I’m hooked!

The following day I was given Diva to ride. I hadn’t ridden astride for over 10 years so it was just a gentle hack. We prepared for the next day’s hunting as I said I would ride and see what it was all about. It was explained to me that there were three fields. Three groups of riders, with the first being up close to the huntsman and the last being called the Hilltoppers bringing up the rear. The Hilltopper group were the slowest and that’s where I put myself alongside an elderly gent and a nice man with a young horse he wanted to settle on the field.

The day was sunny and everyone had the obligatory port - the Stirrup Cup. I soon found out that all fields could be seen

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Original painting

by Liana Lovie

wherever we were and hounds moved freely around us. Deer were seen but ignored by the hounds as the quarry for them is coyote.

Now I asked endless questions all week so I will try to relay some of my learning...

Coyote is considered vermin in Canada.

It is top of the food chain and has no predator apart from hound or human. It is more cunning and clever than the English fox and only the old or infirm are ever caught by the hounds. I heard many stories over my time in Canada about how the coyote will steal lambs, calves and foals out of barns and fields. The farmers here often have a huge dog, kind of like a St. Bernard that roams the fields. It is called a guardian and it guards the sheep from the coyote. I even heard one story about a coyote snatching a Maltese stud dog off its lead as it was being walked by it’s owner. So when it’s hunted it wastes no energy to escape hounds and only goes as fast away from them as it needs too.

It is a hunter itself so knows all about laying and following a scent.

My first day out hunting was lovely and I asked questions of my friends and all was explained. 3.5 hours in the saddle took it’s toll and I was unceremoniously pulled of my horse at the end of the meet, as I said I didn’t know how I was going to get off.

First day hunting and I discovered my bum bones, which needed immediate rescue by Ibuprofen.

That evening we were celebrating Colin’s birthday and some of the hunting people I’d met during the day came round to celebrate.

I was more than happy to partake of the whisky toddy – it’s a fine anesthetic as well!

It was interesting to meet people with links to the Borders where I live. It is indeed a small world.

The rest of the week I was given free access to the kennels and I asked relentless questions. I learned that every hound had a

to Hunting

By Liana Lovie

“...I surprisingly found his warming whiskey toddy delicious...first hunting tradition and I’m hooked!” name and each one knew it. I began to put names to faces and learned that this pack was a mix of Fell, modern English and American hounds. There were some very distinctive heads and I loved the woolies. I loved their names too....Leroy....Lovely…

Lola ...Leonard. There were also 3 litters of small pups and I got to take loads of photos and handle them.

I was invited to join in with all that was going on at the kennels so the week saw me mucking out, bringing horses in, watching the blacksmith, walking hounds, setting up a pen for training the pups for the Puppy Show and taking photos of it all. Colin was patient with my constant questions, as I wanted to learn all I could. Victoria, too, answered my endless hound questions. Having pups and other dogs around the kennels I was intrigued to see her using the words ‘curr dog’.... when the hounds hear this they know to leave well alone.

I found the hounds to be well loved and well treated but disciplined as all animals and children should be. There has to be a pack leader and that’s Colin and he has to have complete control. He is quick to sort out a hound crossing the line but also so very quick to praise and love them too. This combination creates a pack willing to serve, knowing where the boundaries are and keen to follow his every word. The affection I have captured in my photos I hope to relay in paintings some time soon.

I found the hounds to be very affectionate and indeed in my second day hunting I elected to go on foot to get photos without ridden camera shake. At one point I had hounds coming towards me as I sat on the bank and as I snapped away I soon found hounds nuzzling in my ear and sloppy kisses. The three days I was hunting were all different. For the first, I was mounted and it seemed a fairly slow day. The second one was different as it was very hot but hounds had found their quarry in the cover and were then given a dip in the river on their walk back to the meet. That day a deer had rose up out of the cover right in the

Original painting by Liana Lovie

middle of the pack and not one hound was interested enough to give chase. All credit to Colin’s training of them. That day I saw my first coyote - a beautiful young strong specimen that was not going to be caught.

The third day I was on the road helping the whips and this day got really exciting. A coyote was leading the hounds in and around the cover. This day the Coyote made several circles round and round the covert which would lead the hounds to the main highway. Sheila and I stood guard at a gully by the roadside. One hound was lagging behind and we were to turn it back to the field. Indeed when Lumber came towards us (and the traffic), we shouted him to go back to the cover and he did - phew!

We were then given instructions to drive to a road parallel to this as hounds were now heading East. All we could hear over the walkie-talkie was ‘Hounds heading East, go East’. We positioned the car supporting the whips on that side and it was quiet for a while but we saw hounds moving in and out of the cover. Next thing we heard ‘Hounds on, Tally ho, going North’. Sheila let out a curse then she took off and it was a whiteknuckle ride to get us back to the gully on the main road.

Cars and large trucks were going past us and we could hear hounds crashing through the covert towards us on a line. OMG, the adrenaline! We cracked whips, shouted and stopped traffic as hounds poured onto the road. They quickly obeyed us and went back in to the covert. Victoria rounded a few up and took them back to Colin. This coyote was playing games. She ran out of

cover and across the hilltops and promptly sat down a few yards from Colin as if to say ‘I got this, now what are you going to do?’ Hounds were still following the circles of scent she had laid and were still nose to the ground with the coyote so close by.

She took off again and went to ground. So as the hounds had been running all day and had hunted well it was time to call this particular days hunt to an end. With a blow of the lamenting horn hounds were called in. The field had enjoyed their day and seen the coyote close up and the road whips were exhausted!

Another tradition after hunting is the breakfast. Everyone heads to a cafe to eat enormous amounts of food and retell their morning’s hunting stories. I found that these people were lovely and welcoming and all have a love of the horse, the hound and the country they serve. I learned so much listening to their tales and being around the kennels and hounds. Seeing their different characters and hearing stories about each of them had me enthralled.

I loved to hear about Gordon and Godfrey, the troublemakers, although it would seem the last hunt had made hounds of them.

My eternal thanks go to Colin and Victoria for being great hosts and for teaching me so much. And also for giving me so much access to the Hounds and giving me so much fodder for future paintings.

I loved meeting all the hunt people and I also greatly enjoyed the last day tour of the Niagara wineries with Mary and Blaine.

I hope it’s not too long before I cross the water and join you all again... Tally Ho! y 7

Hunt Events

The Elora Horse and Hound Parade

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he fifth annual Elora Horse and Hound Parade was another great success, with close to thirty beautifully turned out horses and riders taking part. On a day when the weather forecast was dismal, clouds were threatening, and torrential downpours were taking place to the south of us, we enjoyed perfect weather conditions. As well as our ECH members, we had special guests from TNYH and the Guelph Pony Club, as well as the fantastic McKeown four horse hitch with their majestic Clydesdales bringing up the rear of our group.

Of course the real stars of the show were huntsman Colin Brown, and his twenty plus hounds. At our first stop along the riverfront, the spectators got a chance to mingle with the horses and riders, visit the hounds, and get numerous face swiping kisses and furry hugs. We then all trotted

Photos: Karin McDonald

(Continued on page 10)

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Huntsman Colin Brown sounds the horn as the parade winds it's way through the streets of Elora

Elora Horse & Hound Parade (Continued from page 8)

through the beautiful historic downtown of Elora, with one more stop for photos.

It was announced that for the second year in a row, over $10,000.00 had been raised for the Groves Memorial Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society through generous sponsorship of the event. Added to that were donations collected in the street, with a miniature horse highlighting the location of the volunteers collecting the donations. That brings our total amount raised in five years to over $35,000.00.

Many thanks to all those who contributed in so many ways to make the day a resounding success. y

Heading home after another successful parade

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Anxious hounds await their chance to strut their stuff up Main Street

The spectacular McKeown clydesdales were a true crowd pleaser

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You Might be a Foxhunter if...

By J. Harris Anderson

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If you own a home that is mobile and five cars that aren’t… you might be a redneck. ~ Jeff Foxworthy

It’s been said that a “highbrow” is someone who can listen to Rossini’s William Tell Overture and not think of the Lone Ranger. In the hunting world, that might be said of anyone who’s never heard of Jeff Foxworthy’s “You Might Be A Redneck” jokes. But those with more eclectic (read: less refined) taste might find the following foxhunting riffs on that theme amusing.

Several of these were inspired by helpful suggestions from fellow hunters (although I was only attentive enough to record one such, from Harry Kuniansky, for a credit citation). But I’m sure there are plenty of creative juices flowing out there that can expand on this concept. So if you feel inspired, please email your suggestions to janderson@bluecardinalpress.com.

Now, here are some…

You Might be a Foxhunter if… ✧ You’ve ever been pulled over on your way to the hunt ball and been asked ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

if the circus in town.

You’ve ever mucked out a stall wearing a tuxedo or an evening gown.

You’ve ever peed in a stall while wearing a tuxedo or an evening gown.

You have your orthopedist’s private number on speed dial.

You can legally claim your vet as a dependent on your income tax forms.

You drive a $2000 car and ride a $20,000 horse.

The only religious service you regularly attend is Blessing of the Hounds.

You think it makes perfect sense that a heavy, dinner-style meal served in late afternoon is referred to as “breakfast.”

Look familiar?...

Your sporting attire is all custom made and the rest of your wardrobe comes from Tractor Supply.

You’ve ever been charged with riding while intoxicated.

You can recite the bloodlines of every hound in your club’s kennels but frequently forget the names of your own children.

Gentlemen: You’d rather read Practical Horseman than Playboy.

Ladies: You’d rather read Covertside than Cosmo.

Your house has a mudroom that’s actually full of mud.

You’ve ever been busted for possession of a controlled substance and it turned out to be Ace. You’ve ever run out of Tylenol and used Bute instead.

You’ve ever found out that your spouse was having an affair with the huntsman and decided it would be easier to replace the spouse than to find a new huntsman. (Credit to Harry Kuniansky for this one.) ✧ You’re only willing to accept a job that allows you to take off at least one weekday from September through March. ✧ You can walk through airport security naked and still set off the metal detector. ✧ You’ve ever told a paramedic, “If you even think about cutting off my custom-made boots, I will get up off this stretcher and kick your ass!” (To personalize this one, feel free to replace “custom-made boots” with “leather breeches,” “scarlet coat,” or any other garment a well-intentioned but unaware EMT was approaching with scissors in hand.) y

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Member’s Notes

Living off the Land If the predictions of Nostradomus should prove to be correct, by riding to hounds you may well be preparing to save your life.

If Armageddon happens, you will know how to survive; just so long as it happens between August and December. In other words, during the hunting season.

Sounds a little ridiculous? Well, maybe, but ride along with me and learn how nature has your welfare in mind.

When riding in the hunt field, and especially if you should be acting as a whipper-in, you have plenty of time to appreciate the local countryside. Occasionally you have to ride like a bat out of hell but much of the time you are there to observe and to take in nature’s wonders all about you.

On a beautiful fall day, a feast of epicurean plentitude is there for the taking. A regular cornucopia of fruits and vegetables is available to sample as you wish. Some of it is even conveniently delivered to you at saddle height. You can just reach out and enjoy.

Who has not plucked a juicy apple from a hedgerow; a variety of unknown pedigree?

Just one bite, and if it is not sweet enough or is home to some small creatures, a few more strides and you may have an array of alternatives varied enough to challenge the display in your local supermarket.

Apples are only the first course. Oth-

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er delicacies are there for your sustenance, albeit perhaps not so conveniently presented to you. If you are careful to avoid the thorns, I can guide you to a secret place close by the Mimosa meet where, with a little bending and reaching out from the saddle, you can have your dessert course of blackberries from a thicket of brambles.

In Blithe Hill country and at other locations, there are fast food pit stops where you can enjoy red and black raspberries.

With a touch more testing of your flexibility and Velcro-like attachment to your saddle, these delicacies can be gathered to sweeten your tooth at minimal cost when compared to the local farmer’s market.

Just like the gone-wild apple trees, there are places where the wild ‘Deer Pears’ can be found. It seems those deer know a thing or two about succulent treats. These small pears are sweet to the tooth but can be a hazard to anyone with dentures or a loose tooth. These wild pears can be ‘as hard as a witch’s heart’. Risky but worth it for the sweet taste.

Still available from the saddle is the fruit of the nut trees. Hazelnut trees, or perhaps we should call them bushes, are in many hedgerows but not easily identified as you pass them by at the trot. Timing is important with hazel nuts. Too early and the kernel is too soft. If the shell is empty, Nutkin the squirrel got there first.

There are Black Walnut trees in many areas. The green fruit, while on the tree, is reachable from the saddle but not worth the effort. The green casing has to turn yellow before the nut is ripe and, by then, the nut is has fallen from the tree. In any case, the dark walnut stain, once on your riding gloves, is there forever. If you do gather ripe-looking walnuts from the ground, float them in water before you waste your time cracking them open. Many will be empty and will float. The one’s with nuts in them will sink.

‘Gleaning’ is a word you don’t hear spoken much lately; it refers to the gathering of farmers’ crops from the fields after the harvest is over. This was an accepted rite of practice among peasants in years gone by. Even today, more than one of us has taken advantage of this tradition. In late fall, our hunt meets in what we term ‘po-

tato country’. Once modern machinery has harvested the tubers, there are always a few spuds that have escaped their intended destiny. Lying there naked and gleaming white on the well-tilled black earth, they are crying out to be rescued. A couple of good sized ‘bakers’ have sometimes found a good home. But be sure not to pick up those taters that have been tanned by the sun and turned green - they have increased alkaloid levels and may not be good for the tummy.

Then there is corn, also known as maize or mealies in some parts of the world; nutrition provider for man, beast and automobile. Whose horse has not stolen a bright yellow cob as he is passing by? Since the snatch-and-run has usually occurred on a headland next to the bush, your horse has simply denied a meal for the local raccoon family. As the field has emerged at the end of the row, many a rider has been seen desperately reaching forward to extract a three foot length of filched corn stalk as her horse shakes his head to detach the cob. It becomes a contest between rider and horse, with the horse usually winning.

Yes, there are even more delights to be found. There is a farm lane in Mono Township where I could lead you to some wild asparagus. Its flavour questions the right of the store-bought variety to bear the same name. If your palate is partial to spicier foods, horseradish can be found growing

“Ride along with me and learn how nature has your welfare in mind.” along many a fenceline.

Although most of the bounty of the land is available only in the fall months, in the months of May and June there is a particularly aromatic plant to be found in the shadow of the woods. After a posse of horses has passed through a bed of wild garlic, the woods reek of this highly-valued culinary ingredient. The crushing effect of iron-shod hooves on this delicate little plant is enough to transport one’s senses to a bustling cuisine in Montmartre or a cucina in old Napoli. The pungent aroma can linger for days, marking the passage of the hunt cavalry.

If you should stop to gather some of this flavour-enhancing plant, be sure to refrain from using it at least two or three days before the hunt ball. Failure to do so will see you sidelined on the dance floor resembling another plant, the wallflower.

Ah, the wild strawberry. Such a tease pot of a plant. On a sunny bank in the month of May, its yellow, pinky white flowers promise such a delicate feast to come. Pay a visit to that same bank a month later and you will be hard pressed to find its miniature fruit under the leaves of the grasses that have grown up to hide the delicate little, earth-hugging plants. No doubt those spring flowers did produce fruit but the chances are the field mice, and other denizens of the deep foliage, have claimed first rights to its sweet offerings.

Dare we mention it; there is a plant that is in high demand in some circles. It is a plant that is likely to hide out in obscure places and will move on to different sites each year. When you roam the countryside on horseback, you are able to reach remote corners where official vehicles and prying eyes are unlikely to be around. On several occasions, some of us have been surprised to come across that valuable plant known in legal circles as cannabis sativa or marijuana.

Hidden in seldom-visited backwoods and with plants scattered hither and thither, it is

clear that the hand of man has been at work.

Yes, we should inform the local authorities but when hounds are running there are more pressing things to do. At the end of the day, it is usually difficult to recall exactly where this chance encounter occurred. Memory can be a fickle thing.

It is unlikely that you will ever have to literally ‘live off the land’, but if you really had to do so you would have been well prepared by the gastronomic knowledge you have acquired while riding to hounds.

Bon appetit. y

by Derek French, ex MFH

In The Field

~ Pam Brown 16

Photo: Lori Metclafe

“A horse is the projection of peoples' dreams about themselves — strong, powerful, beautiful — and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence.”

Lori Metclafe

Photo: James MacDonald

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Lori Metclafe

James MacDonald

Lori Metclafe

Opening Meets ECH Opening Meet

pening Meet is always a special day for all our riding members, as we spruce up, clean up, polish and shine up ourselves and our favorite horses. The 86th ECH Opening Meet was held at the lovely home of Tralee Pearce and Grant Ellis. In spite of an ominous forecast of thunderstorms, the rain held off long enough for us to meet and greet family and guests, have a stirrup cup, get some fabulous photos while we looked our best, and then we had a great morning out in our Mono fixture, with the leaves giving us just a hint that autumn was on the way. The Joint Masters hosted

breakfast that evening for approximately 75 members and guests at the Gracey residence. And again, the rain held off enough for us to have a garden party outside.

This year was doubly special, as ECH were invited to the 190th Opening Meet of the Montreal Hunt, the week previous to our Opening Meet. 22 ECH and WWH members made the trip across the province to Mirabel and Lachute, Quebec for the weekend. Of course, we were given a very warm welcome and outstanding hospitality.

From our Friday evening dinner at a local Sugar Shack (featuring 5 delicious courses of maple inspired cooking), to the grand

Opening Meet itself, a luxurious post-hunt breakfast in John Kerr’s beautiful show barn, a Sunday hunt from the kennels, and yet another wonderful breakfast following; everyone had a fabulous weekend.

We reciprocated with Montreal members visiting us on October 21-24. Pub Night Friday at Mono Cliffs Inn, Saturday meet at Reddickville, Mad Men Hunt Ball Saturday evening, Beagling with the Black Creek Meadows pack on Sunday and a final meet on Monday at our Mimosa Fixture. You just can’t pack much more than that in a weekend!

We all had a blast! y

Montreal Opening Meet

Relaxing after Montreal Opening Meet

Beagling - Joint Meet 18

Mad Men Hunt Ball

Reddickville Joint Meet

Photo: Grant Ellis

2016

THE EGLINTON

AND CALEDON HUNT Welcome to the excitement and exhilaration of “Riding to Hounds”!

The music of the hounds in “full cry”. The sound of the horn echoing off the woodland hills. The excitement of the chase. The thrill of galloping over the countryside, the view of vistas that takes your breath away. The camaraderie of friends pursuing the same passion. Riding to hounds is a wonderful recreation for the whole family that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. What could possibly be better! and Caledon Hunt. Today there are 110 members who participate not only in hunting but also with many related activities.

THE MASTERS The leaders of our hunt are known as ‘Masters of Foxhunting’, a position of overall responsibility that has been a tradition over the centuries. The role of the Master can be likened to that of a president of an organization and is one which carries with it considerable responsibility and prestige. The Masters will usually lead the riders in the field, and when they are performing this role they are known as ‘Field Masters’. However, on some occasions other members of the hunt may well perform this function. In this case they are also known as ‘Field Masters’ and they will also have responsibility for the safety and control of the riders.

Photo: Lori Metcalfe

FIRST A LITTLE HISTORY Foxhunting has existed in North America since colonial days and was enjoyed by hunters, farmers and landed gentry. The earliest record of foxhunting in Canada was in 1650. The earliest established hunt in Canada was the Montreal Hunt in 1826. The popularity of foxhunting continues to grow. Currently there are 168 organized hunts in North America.

Our own local hunt is the Eglinton and Caledon Hunt. It is an offshoot of the Toronto Hunt which was formed in 1843. In 1930, The Eglinton Hunt, was formed and located at the corner of Avenue Road and Roselawn Avenue in Toronto and was recognized as a separate hunt under the Mastership of George Beardmore. When the expansion of Toronto necessitated finding new country, hounds were moved to their present location on Creditview Road in Caledon in 1963 and the name changed to Eglinton

Learn everything you need to know about being a member of ECH in this special tear-out section.

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HUNTSMAN Under the direction of the Masters, a professional Huntsman is responsible for the kennels and all aspects of managing the hounds, including breeding, training, exercise, and of course, hunting. The Huntsman contributes to fostering a positive relationship with all landowners who provide permission to hunt on their lands.

W H I P P E R S -I N The Huntsman is assisted by Whippers-in who participate in the hunting. This includes turning back hounds if they are running onto land not permitted to hunt, or busy roadways, rounding up hounds, and exercising of the hounds under the direction of the Huntsman.

THE HOUNDS Training starts before a hound is 1 year old. The young hound is sometimes coupled with an older hound until it learns to stay with the others. They are then introduced to horses. As hounds hunt over private farmland, they must ignore all farm animals and pursue only the chosen quarry. Hounds begin to hunt at 12 to 18 months of age. The goal is to establish a pack of hounds that will run uniformly, give great voice, show stamina, develop a keen nose, and be obedient to the huntsman.

WHAT THE HOUNDS HUNT Coyote can range in a large territory. The coyote, when chased, will run in straight lines and may take the hounds out of their assigned hunting areas.

The coyote scent is stronger than the fox, and coyote chasing is more common in our area.

Foxes are territorial. It knows good and bad scenting days. It can lead the pack on a merry chase, evading it by cunning or jumping into the first available den or hole.

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GLOSSARY OF HUNT TERMS All on - All hounds present and accounted for Away - When the quarry has left a cover and gone away; the hounds are gone away.

Babbling - When hounds are giving voice or barking for no good reason.

Cast - When the huntsman sends hounds into a cover or brings them together and then sends them another direction, he is said to be casting his hounds.

Challenge - When drawing for a fox, the first hound, which throws his tongue, is a challenge.

Check - When hounds in chase stop for want of scent, or have overrun it.

Couple - Two hounds (any sex).

Hounds are always counted in couples.

Drawing - When hounds are working a covert or an area they are said to be drawing it.

Full Cry - When the whole pack is running hard after the quarry and throwing or giving tongue.

Gone to Ground - When a fox or coyote goes into a natural earth, hole or drain.

Pinks - A term used to describe the red or scarlet hunt coat.

Whelps - Unweaned puppies.

Photos by: Karin McDonald

THE FIELDS Followers of our hounds ride in one of three groups. Experienced riders on steady horses who are comfortable jumping obstacles at speed usually will ride with the ‘First Field’. The “Second Field’ rides at a slightly slower pace and jumping is optional. The ‘Third Field’ known as the ‘Hill Toppers’ keep mostly to a walk and trot.

The ‘First Field’ follows the hunt as closely as possible without interfering with either hounds or the Huntsman and Whippers-in.

The pace can reach cross country galloping speed and fences are usually negotiated in order to keep up with the hounds. The ‘Second Field’ is not far behind.

The ‘Hill Toppers’ move at a distance endeavouring to see the hounds working, and anticipate where game may be flushed to observe a ‘viewing’.

Riders are not permitted to pass the Field Masters and must obey the directions of the Field Masters. If a rider decides to retire for the day, he or she must advise the Field Master and request permission to leave. It is important that a rider does not cross through an area which will be hunted that day, as this could interfere with scenting.

GENERAL ETIQUETTE

AND

RULES

FOR A

OF THE

HUNT:

file and close to the outside perimeter of the field. Avoid riding close to houses and farm buildings whenever possible. Never gallop down a landowner’s driveway or past his house. Circle all livestock so as to not disturb them.

• Riders who have a horse that is inclined to kick out must wear a red ribbon on the horse’s tail and ride at the back of the group. Horses that are young or considered “green” should wear a green ribbon on the tail. Hounds always have the right of way.

• A word about tack and bitting. Hunting can be as exciting for the horse as the rider. Horses tend to become stronger when galloping in a group. We recommend you consider using either a running or standing martingale and look at using a bit which will provide stronger “brakes”.

Photos by: Karin McDonald

• To come out to hunt you must be escorted by an existing member of the hunt.

• Arrangements will be made with a Master to bring a guest to a meet. There is a fee to be paid by a guest of the hunt (known as a “capping fee”) as well as waiver forms to be signed at the meet prior to mounting up. Your host should provide you with full details and introduce you to the Honourary Secretary (who has the forms and collects the fees) and the Masters at the meet.

• When riding, a guest should always follow the path set by the Field Master and obey any instructions given by the Field Master. It is considered proper etiquette to ride behind the experienced riders with “colours”.

• Care must be taken when riding on cultivated fields; you should always ride single

GUEST RIDER

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT A TYPICAL MEET: We hunt in various terrains and weather conditions. Discuss with your host, what attire is appropriate for your day of hunting.

Proper turnout is not only a hunting tradition but also a sign of respect.

Plan to arrive in time to sign waivers and pay fees before mounting, and be mounted at least ten minutes prior to “moving off “time. In this ten minute period riders gather to hear announcements and are introduced to the landowners who are thanked for providing permission to hunt their land, and guests are introduced to the field. At this time you will also be offered a “Stirrup Cup” (a drink of sherry or port) prior to the hunt commencing.

Once the hunt moves off, be prepared to meet other members of the field and forge new acquaintances to enjoy your hunting experience. A hunt can last several hours; you would be wise to bring a snack and or a drink with you.

At the conclusion of the hunt, either a ‘tailgate breakfast’ is enjoyed by all or you will be invited to attend an evening breakfast with your host to enjoy a hearty meal, liquid refreshments and swap tales of the days hunting escapades. y

Riding to hounds is a most enjoyable experience and we would love to have you join us...

For more information please contact : Mrs. Tina Walker, Honorary Secretary tina100@bell.net or visit www.eglintoncaledonhounds.com 21

Member’s Travels

horseback adventures:

Estancia los Potreras

by Christine Gracey MFH

Well, it’s not exactly easy

to get to…Toronto – Bogata, Columbia – Santiago, Chile – Cordoba, Argentina – all by plane. Then a 40 minute taxi ride from the airport; (made longer after a flat tire and the wait for a replacement taxi.) Our driver dropped my husband Adam and myself off on the side of the highway, where we found a farm truck waiting for us with two lovely English girls waiting to take us to the Estancia las Potreras, a working cattle and horse farm. The farm track that bisects it was rough enough to necessitate the low range of the 4 wheel drive. We lurched along at about a walking pace, waiting for cows to meander off the track, opening and closing numerous gates, crossing a stream, and bottoming out the truck on a few rocks.

A recent heavy storm had caused some of the damage to the track.

22

We finally arrived at the main Estancia and were greeted by fourth generation owner Kevin Begg with freshly made lemonade and a quick tour of the ranch, starting with the tack room of course!

The main ranch house is 350 years old, thick adobe with a timbered, clay and tin roof. Our room was dark and cool with shuttered windows, a wood burning stove and a lovely antique furniture. We met on the patio for drinks at 1:00, and a formal lunch was served at 1:30. Since lunch was a three-course meal, a siesta was then required before the afternoon ride.

I was pretty excited as I hopped into my breeches, hiking boots with half chaps and my helmet, all packed in my luggage for just this moment! I couldn’t even wait for Adam as I hurried across the lawn, staring at the horses tied to the hitching rail. The tack was a little different; English

polo saddles or Argentinian style saddles that all had a thick sheepskin cinched on top for comfort, halters and lead shanks tied around the neck and English bridles with Pelham bits. We were given a quick lesson in the method of reining that the horses were used to and then mounted up from blocks.

The horses were kept in two separate herds. One herd consisted of Criollos with a few Quarter Horses thrown in, and the other herd was gaited Peruvian Pasos. Due to their differing speeds, they were not ridden together, so one ride in the day was on the Criollos and the second ride of the day on the Peruvians, or vise versa. The horses were all incredibly tough, as was the land we rode them across. From very rocky ground and many huge boulders, loose gravel, steep hills and ravines, thorny bushes and cactus, creeks and wetlands, tall pampas grass, grassy fields filled with flowers; it was varied and difficult terrain.

But it was also incredibly beautiful, with endless long distance views of plains and distant mountains, and the foothills nearby. Each ride was unique, covering different trails. It would be easy to get lost here.

The Estancia is a working ranch, with a large herd of purebred Black Angus cattle as well as the herds of horses. On most of our rides, we did some type of ranch work. On our first ride we went searching for some cows that had broken through a fence and visited the neighboring property.

We collected them and returned them to their proper pasture, as I practiced my cutting skills on a horse that knew what to Continued on page 24

23

Horseback Adventures: Estancia los Potreras Continued from page 22

do. On other rides, we moved horses to different paddocks, brought them in for worming, checked the condition of cattle in the far fields. I discovered that cattle are much easier to herd than horses, as they just mosey along in front of the riders.

The horses galloped off, ducking down side trails and changing directions or just stopping to graze.

Each and every horse I rode was steady and well mannered, sure footed and fit. Many of the Criollos were also used for Polo as well. The Estancia has a

team and a playing field, and sells trained Polo ponies to players in several different countries. Unfortunately for us, there wasn’t polo going on when we were there.

The Peruvian Pasos were comfortable and made for easy long distance riding.

Every day we rode for 3 or more hours in the morning, and 2 to 3 hours in the afternoon, each ride with lots of gallops if we wanted. One day we rode to a far distant part of the Estancia, had a lovely picnic lunch and then returned home for a total of 7 hours in the saddle. (I

slept well that night!) We were always accompanied on the rides by the ranch dogs. They were all border collies with names such as Haggis, Nips, Ghillie and Clyde, who kept up effortlessly. There were Argentinian gauchos and English guides as well. Each of them worked on a contract basis for three or six months or longer. The English guides ranged from an young American man who had just finished college, paying his way by competing on the school rodeo team, to several girls from England who had worked with horses in the polo world, Eventing and even Foxhunting.

All this riding meant we had good appetites by dinnertime. Dinners were served formally, with lots of lively conversation. There was always plenty of food and each meal was fabulous. I remember with fondness dishes such as pumpkin ravioli in a blue cheese sauce, beef empanadas, tender pork, potato and onion frittata, and of course lots of beef!

Lovely Argentinian Malbec and Torrentes wines were always served, with Kevin and his wife Lou having part ownership in a small winery. Kevin and Lou made everyone feel welcome and offered wonderful hospitality Adam doesn’t ride often, as he spends his spare time mountain biking, but he is fit. He was a little apprehensive and tense on the first few gallops, but by the last day he was riding like a cowboy, relaxed and confident in the saddle. On discussing

“ We rode to an area called Top of the World as it provided a 360 degree view that was unbeatable. It capped off an unforgettable four days..”

24

which type of horse he preferred, his favorite ended up being one of the Quarter Horses due to it’s power and speed, “just like a sports car.” He suggested we get one of those for home. Since we have 5 Appaloosas, I said we pretty much had them, just with the addition of spots!

Our last ride was one of the best. We rode to an area called ‘Top of the World’ as it provided a 360 degree view that was unbeatable. It capped off an unforgettable four days at Estancia Las Potreras, a perfect place to enjoy horses and beautiful scenery, meet great people, partake of delicious food and drink, and really, really relax. We left with great memories but also looking ahead to our next adventure in Patagonia, which is a story for another time. y

25

SUMMER RIDES Our schedule of summer rides is always much anticipated and enjoyed by all participants. No dress code, no stress... just FUN! Photos by Christine Gracey

‌there is always one salmon swimming upstream!

Dog Days of Summer We had two great Scavenger Hunt and Dog Walk Adventure Days. It allowed our non-horsy friends and family to join us as we raised money for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Peel, as well as ECH. Hosted by Bill and Mary Schoenhardt at Good News Farm, their beautifully groomed trails through the Caledon bush were enjoyed by people and dogs alike. Many thanks to the sponsors who provided food and drinks for the wonderful barbecue that capped off the day. y

26

We’ll All Go A-Hunting Today

The theme of gentleman - a lame farmer, a judge, a doctor, a parson conducting a marriage - all who prefer hunting to church is an ancient complaint in this British folk song...

W

hat a fine hunting day, it’s as balmy as May, hen the hounds to our village did come.

Every friend will be there, and all troubles and care Will be left far behind them at home.

See servants and steeds on their way And sportsmen in scarlet display.

Let us join the glad throng that goes laughing along And we’ll all go a-hunting today

Photo: Tom Clarke

Chorus:

So we’ll all go a-hunting today All nature looks smiling and gay Let us join the glad throng That goes laughing along And we’ll all go a-hunting today

Farmer Hodge to his dame says, I’m sixty and lame Times are hard and my rent I must pay; But I don’t give a jot if I raise it or not For I must go a-hunting today

“Hold on to what ever makes you happy. If it tries to buck you off, just hold on tighter!”

28

There’s a fox in the spinney they say We’ll find him and have him away; I’ll be first in the rush, I shall ride for his brush, For I must go a-hunting today.

As the judge sits in court, he gets wind of the sport And he calls the whole court to adjourn As no witness had come and there’s none left at home-They have gone with the hounds and the horn.

He says, Heavy fines you must pay If you will not your summons obey.

It is very fine sport, so we’ll wind up the court And we’ll all go a-hunting today.

And the village bells chime, there’s a wedding at nine When the parson unites the fond pair.

When he heard the sweet sound of the horn and the hound And he knew it was time to be there.

He says, For your welfare I pray, I regret I can no longer stay; You’ve been safely made one, we must quickly be gone For we must go a-hunting today.

None were left in the lurch, for all friends were at church With the beadle and clerk and aye all, All determined to go and to shout tally-ho, And the ringers all joined in the rear.

With the bride and bridegroom in array They one to the other did say, Let us join the glad throng that goes laughing along And we’ll all go a-hunting today.

There’s the doctor in boots to a breakfast that suits Of home-brewed ale and good beef To his patients he says, I’ve come once again To consult you in hopes of relief.

To the poor, his advice he gave ‘way; To the rich, he prescribed ‘em to pay.

But to each one he said, You will quickly be dead If you don’t go a-hunting today.

Photo: James MacDonald

And there’s only one cure for a malady, sure Which reaches the heart to adjure It’s the sound of the horn on a fine hunting morn And where is the heart wishing more?

For it turneth the grave into gay Makes pain into pleasure give way Makes the old become young and the weak become strong If they’ll all go a-hunting today. y

29

Hunt Ball

The Night of the Mask

Last season we took a chance and made a change from our traditional Barn Dance and held a Masked Hunt Ball on November 21, 2015 at the Royal Ambassador in Caledon East.

Everyone played along and wore a unique mask and their best fancy dress. Guests had a fabulous time dining and dancing as well as bidding on the numerous great items in the silent and live auctions. Many thanks to the hardworking committee who did so much work to make the evening a great success... and to our members for embracing the spirit of the evening. y

30

Hunter Pace We had a wonderful Joint Hunter Pace with Toronto and North York Hunt on the May long weekend, with 130 riders out on a beautiful and scenic trail through the Niagara Escarpment in Murmur. Another 30 people joined us for lunch. I think everyone liked the idea of catching up with old friends and knew what a beautiful location it was for a day out on horseback! Many thanks to the Evans-Ferris family and Bill and Melody Duron for hosting us. y

Noteworthy We had a successful and enjoyable day at the Canadian Foxhound Show on Saturday, June 18. Many thanks to Huntsman Colin Brown and Whippers-in Hugh Robertson and Victoria Francey for all their work showing off our hounds in the blazing heat. Thanks to TNYH for doing such a great job hosting us all.

How do you know your wine tasting event is successful?

You end up with 300 used wine glasses, great food, then move the party outside and end the evening with a barn tour!

Many thanks to Master Susan Rasmussen for hosting the evening and thanks to all our members who joined us and purchased wine.

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Puppy Show Our ECH Puppy Show was a great success, despite the storm clouds hanging around. Last year’s puppies went through their paces, in preparation for the Canadian Hound show. They were shown by both Colin and their puppy-walkers…which always leads to joyous leaps and jumps as the hounds see their old friends. At one point the whole pack was paraded in the show ring, which provided much merriment for the spectators. However, the juvenile handler’s class was the favourite, as always. High Tea afterwards, and a puppy naming auction rounded out the event in style. y

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Member’s Notes

Ancestors in the Dark

The light fades fast on a December day in the rolling hills, centuries-old beech woods and ancient countryside of the North Downs in the county of Kent in England. This is Roman country, old Roman country. The Roman presence can still be seen and felt there. Watling Street, now a motorway in many parts, was built by the Romans to carry their chariots from Dubris (Dover) to old Londinium - London today, of course. Straight as an arrow and solid as the rock foundations it was set on. In places, you can still see the wheel ruts worn down by the centuries of travel.

Here too, in the well-trodden countryside, ancient history’s presence is felt as the Pilgrim’s Way meanders through the landscape from Winchester to the Thomas Becket shrine in Canterbury. Much of the route of the Pilgrims Way follows an ancient track dating back to 500 BC. Geoffrey Chaucer, in the years between 1386 and 1389, wrote in Middle English of this in Canterbury Tales, bequeathing us the characters in The Nun’s Priest’s Tale, The Wife of Bath’s Tale and other such stories. The stories were told to while away the boredom as the pilgrims traveled along the North Downs to the cathedral in Canterbury. Parts of this meandering path can still be walked today, but much of it has been absorbed into the modern network of roads.

This is West Kent Hunt country. The land where, as a teenager, I first learned the thrill of riding to hounds during the Christmas holidays. December days are short in Britain. The weather can be foggy too, making the daylight hours even shorter. But this is the time of year when the crops are off the fields, the nip of frost is in the air and the scenting is good. All this contributed

34

By Derek French, ex-MFH

to some memorable days in the hunt field.

In the few years immediately following the war’s end in 1945, the hunt was struggling to re-establish itself. Money was short, vehicles for transportation were almost non-existent and petrol was still rationed.

This meant that traveling to the meet involved hacking your pony across country, often for several miles. After a few hours of following hounds it became time to hack home again. With luck, the hunting might have been in the direction of home which would have shortened the return trip. As often as not, it was in the other direction, making the journey even longer.

Inevitably darkness fell long before the tired pony and equally exhausted rider were within sight of home. Finding your way in the dark across country called for an unerring sense of direction and a steeled nerve to ignore those freaky sounds of creatures in the dark. If you were fortunate, you had a companion to ride with you. If not, your pony became your companion and friend against the forces of the night. Sometimes too, it was safer to rely on your horse’s instinct to determine which path to take.

These many years later, it is these long treks home which come to mind rather than the day’s hunting. Alone in the dark in that historic countryside, the spirits of the past are with you. As you ride through the ancient beech woods, as you pass moss covered signposts with fingers pointing to places with names derived from Roman days, you feel at home with history and those who have gone before you.

Traveling with the ghosts of the past is not always a comfortable feeling. In all honesty, you are likely scared. Scared of being lost, scared of the sounds of the night and scared that you too can become one with the past. Whisked away, recalled by your ancestors, never to be seen again.

There is a bittersweet notion in recalling those long ways home. It is good to have your fears and hopes exposed from time to time. The cackle of a cock pheasant as it explodes from under your horse’s feet reminds you that you are just part of the natural world. The smell of wood smoke in the night air causes you to squeeze a little harder on your horse’s sides to hasten the arrival at your destination where a warm hearth and a restorative supper await you. You and your pony are just a part of the natural world.

Life is a continuum. We are all part of the past, we live in the present and we help shape the future. It takes a long weary trek home in the dark to set the mind to thinking about such matters.

Being a little scared, being tired and weary, being as one with your pony in the dark of night, forges memories that stay with you for a lifetime. y

Terre Bleu Hound Parade

Canada Day weekend was celebrated in style by ECH Huntsman and Whippers-In as they paraded the hounds at Terre Bleu Lavender Farm in Milton as part of their Celebration of the Horse. The public were invited to the farm to see the lavender in full bloom, and get a chance to meet and greet our friendly hounds. (Visit www.terrebleu.ca) y

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Spring & Early Summer

Photo: James MacDonald

The Fall Hunt Field

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Eglinton and Caledon Hunt THANKS THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTORS :

Article Submissions: Derek French, Christine Gracey MFH, Liana Lovie, J. Harris Anderson Photo Submissions: Karin McDonald, Christine Gracey MFH, Lori Metcalfe, Tom Clarke, James MacDonald, Grant Ellis, Blaine Nicholls, Anna O’Sullivan, Carmen Cotter Advertising Sales: Special thanks to Alastair Strachan MFH, Christine Gracey MFH, Chris King

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Photo: James MacDonald

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